“The most important distance in golf is the five inches between the ears” – Bobby Jones.
Every golfer has experienced times when their thoughts get the better of them. Whether experiencing 1st tee nerves or crumbling on the back 9 after being on for a personal best. However, how do you measure how your thoughts affect your score?
Well, the truth is that this is a tough question and not one with an easy answer. However, the starting point is to be aware of your thoughts and to understand how changes in your levels of focus affect your scoring.
From here you can start to understand at what points in the round your focus dips, when you are most focused and if this relates to your scoring.
With this in mind, I’ve built this ‘Mental Scorecard’ for you. Here is how to use it.
Playing 18 holes
Next time you play golf (or reflect on your last round), write your score as usual, but after every shot evaluate your level of focus for the shot 1-10.
Zero equals no focus on your target/desired outcome, with constant distractions and negative thoughts. Ten equals clear and constant focus on your target/desired outcome, with no distractions or negative thoughts. Full scoring:
1-2: “Golf Survival Mode”
- Completely distracted by negative thoughts
- Mind racing about score/outcome
- Try to fix swing mechanics during shots
- External distractions dominating attention
3-5: “Going Through The Motions”
- Some technical thoughts during shots
- Occasional focus on score/outcome
- Mind wandering between shots
- Inconsistent pre-shot routine
6-8: “In The Zone”
- Clear target selection
- Consistent pre-shot routine
- Clear technical thought
- Good recovery after poor shots
- Staying present between shots
9-10: “Tournament Focus”
- Complete immersion in target and/or swing thought
- Unwavering commitment to each shot
- Perfect balance of intensity and calm
- Strong visualisation of desired shots
- Excellent shot acceptance regardless of outcome
At the end of each hole write your average ‘focus score’ for all your shots, along with your actual score and enter them into the scorecard below.
This calculator works out:
- Your score to par
- Your average focus
- The relationship between your focus and scoring by hole
ps – the results populate at the bottom of the scorecard once you enter 3+ holes of data.
This is a simple tool, but give it a go, I think it can really help many golfers with how they play.
Even if you don’t use this tool, playing golf with the sole aim of mastering your process and focusing on the target and/or a clear swing thought is one of the best ‘hacks’ to playing great golf under pressure.
This is essentially focusing on ‘controlling the controllables’ and accepting the golf shot you hit as a result.
If you want a deep dive into golf psychology, check out this article.
Happy golfing.
Will @ Golf Insider